How to Grow Bentgrass

By Melody Dawn; Updated September 21, 2017

More than 100 species of bentgrass are available for planting. The most common bentgrass is the creeping bentgrass. This grass is most commonly used for golf courses and is not intended for use in home lawns. Bentgrass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is not tolerant to extreme temperatures, traffic, shade and drought. This grass requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Plant bentgrass in late winter or early spring. Choose an area with well-drained soil that is in a sunny location. Use 1/2 to 1 lb. of seed per 1,000 square feet of land. Apply 50 lbs. of mulch per every 1,000 square feet on top of the seed. This will help prevent erosion, hold in moisture and provide much needed fertilizer to the bentgrass.

Water seeds and seedlings every day. The best way to water your seedlings is with misting. Use a sprinkler system that is set on a fine mist or use an irrigation system for large areas. Soil should not be soaking wet but should be moist to the touch and should not dry out. Dry soil will kill your bentgrass.

Fertilize grass monthly with 1/2 lb. of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet from October to May. You may not need to fertilize again throughout the year but it may help to fertilize using 1/4 lb. fertilizer per 1,000 square feet once between June and September. Fertilizing your grass will promote leaf growth.

Mow bentgrass to around 3/16 inch or less after it has matured. During the hot, summer months you may allow the grass to grow a little longer, to lengths of 1/4 inch, to help keep the grass alive and healthy.

Things You Will Need

Grass seed

Mulch

Soil

Fertilizer

References

About the Author

Based in Atlanta, Melody Dawn has been writing business articles and blogs since 2004. Her work has appeared in the "Gainesville Times," "Player's Press" and "USA Today." She is also skilled in writing product descriptions and marketing materials. Dawn holds a Master of Business from Brenau University.